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Old 06-15-2010, 09:28 AM
 
1 posts, read 3,206 times
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Looking to move to Northwest Indiana in a couple of weeks. I will be visiting next week so I need to get some advice. I will be working in Gary, IN and need to live in a place that is a comfortable daily commute (20-30 minutes). I have two elementary aged children so school's are very important. Also, we want to live in an area that has safe, active, and new to newer neighborhoods. We want kids in the neighborhood! We are from a large city (175k) and like all the shopping and kids activities that a large town has to offer. We will be buying a house within 3-6 months in the 180K range. Does anybody know where to start looking? Towns? Neighborhoods? Thank you for you help!!
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Old 06-15-2010, 11:41 AM
 
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For that price range, try Highland.

If you can stretch to get into a home and better schools, try Crown Point.

Chesterton is an option as well.
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Old 06-15-2010, 11:46 AM
 
Location: Hoosierville
17,413 posts, read 14,650,567 times
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I think 80% of the threads on this page ask some version of your question.

Dyer, Schererville & Highland in Lake County

Those will get you decent schools, a close to 30 min. commute.

But 180K is tough - you'll be VERY hard pressed to find a newer home in a newer neighborhood for that price.

I'd say Munster - your commute & schools would be great. But your house budget and what you want don't mesh.

You can also look over into Porter County - look to Chesterton. Straight expressway access, good schools, but again that $180K might be a little tough but your dollar will go a bit farther there.

Use this for your home searches: www.gniarmls.com
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Old 06-15-2010, 02:19 PM
 
Location: NW Indiana
44,360 posts, read 20,066,476 times
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I agree with the other posters. I live in Valparaiso and work in Gary. My commute is 40 minutes in the morning; closer to 50 in the evening. If you want to live in Porter County, Chesterton would be your best bet. Property taxes and insurance (homeowner and auto) are less in Porter County. Highland or Crown Point might be your best bets in Lake County.

Good luck, OP, and welcome to NWI!
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Old 06-15-2010, 03:56 PM
 
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The grandparents of a good friend of mine had recently purchased a new home in the "Touch of Green" subdivision in Chesterton. They got it for about $200k but I believe there are some new(er) homes there within your budget. The only other option within your price range that will afford you a newer home is probably Portage. If you do not mind living in a sizeable yet older home, Dyer or Schererville are good options as well. As for Munster, while the schools are very good and it is a very nice community, the home prices are significantly more for a comparable or even newer and bigger home in other towns. However, you may be able to find something you like! Welcome to Northwest Indiana!
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Old 06-16-2010, 10:29 PM
 
Location: Northwest Indiana
815 posts, read 2,999,080 times
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if you are considering going as far as Crown Point, give Cedar Lake a try as well. It would mesh with your budget better then some other places. You would have a chance at getting something a little newer as well.
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Old 06-17-2010, 02:55 PM
 
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If you can afford it, look in New Buffalo, Michigan. Nice homes, don't know about schools, don't have kids. You could easily hop on the expressway and be in Gary fairly quick. Otherwise check out Chesterton or Valpo. Munster is nice but I don't think $180,000 will go to far for a new home in a new subdivision.
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Old 06-17-2010, 04:17 PM
 
2,157 posts, read 5,493,927 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sorry I Moved to IN View Post
If you can afford it, look in New Buffalo, Michigan. Nice homes, don't know about schools, don't have kids. You could easily hop on the expressway and be in Gary fairly quick. Otherwise check out Chesterton or Valpo. Munster is nice but I don't think $180,000 will go to far for a new home in a new subdivision.
In Munster, $180,000 will get one a new lot in either Community Estates or West Lakes of Munster...but no new home with it .
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Old 06-17-2010, 11:59 PM
 
Location: Northwest Indiana
815 posts, read 2,999,080 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sorry I Moved to IN View Post
If you can afford it, look in New Buffalo, Michigan. Nice homes, don't know about schools, don't have kids.
New Buffalo? Are you kidding? $180,000 would get you just about nothing in New Buffalo. Also there would be no advantages to living in Michigan over Indiana. It would be as bad as living in Illinois.
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Old 06-18-2010, 07:52 AM
 
320 posts, read 955,185 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sorry I Moved to IN View Post
If you can afford it, look in New Buffalo, Michigan. Nice homes, don't know about schools, don't have kids. You could easily hop on the expressway and be in Gary fairly quick. Otherwise check out Chesterton or Valpo. Munster is nice but I don't think $180,000 will go to far for a new home in a new subdivision.
New Buffalo's schools have had a great turnaround, and are interesting due to the effects of the tribal casino money.

However, $180k in New Buffalo won't get you much. A good SFH will run you $250-$300k minimum
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